Individualized peer support needs assessment for families with eating disorders

Background Peer support among family members is important in cases of mental illness, but there has been limited practice or research on individual peer support specific to families taking care of patients with eating disorders (EDs). To conduct peer support activities, it is necessary to clarify the needs of families. Objectives The objective of this study are to identify the needs for group and individual peer support and the characteristics of family members with EDs who are willing to receive and provide individual peer support. Method A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted for family members with EDs recruited via the Internet. The questionnaires included demographic information on respondents and their patients, questions about the need for family peer support, interest in offering peer support, and social resources. All participants were given the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (J-ZBI_8), and the Anorectic Behavior Observation Scale (ABOS). Results Out of 314 respondents, 87.3% believed that a group peer support system was necessary, whereas 56.7% believed that an individual peer support system was necessary. As to whether they want to use individual peer support, 70 (22.4%) stated “Extremely YES” and 99 (31.7%) stated “Moderately YES.” Family members who were willing to receive individual peer support used more social resources and had higher scores on the GHQ and J-ZBI_8. Regarding the provision of peer support, 38 (12.2%) responded “very interested and willing to provide it if possible” and 87 (27.9%) responded “interested and willing to study.” Those with a high willingness to provide peer support used more social resources and had lower ABOS scores; however, 38 respondents (45.7%) exceeded the GHQ mental health screening cutoff (3/4). Conclusion Family members with ED had a strong need for family peer support Those willing to receive individual peer support suffered from poor mental health and high burden of care. Family members willing to provide peer support tended to have patients whose EDs symptoms had already improved, but their own mental health was not necessarily good. Training for potential peer supporters is needed to implement peer support.